ADDIS ABABA – A discussion forum held yesterday with stakeholders and representatives from various audited institutions, focusing on combating waste and embezzlement of public resources, according to the Addis Ababa City Administration Auditor General Bureau.
Under the theme: “Preventing Government Resources from Waste and Embezzlement by Ensuring Accountability and Responsibility,” the City Auditor General Bureau underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the legal and efficient management of public resources.
During the discussion, several participants stressed the need to enhance the effectiveness of the audit office, ensuring it operates free from corruption and malpractice. They pointed out that persistent audit-related challenges over the past two decades remain largely unresolved.
Participants advocated for a stronger legal framework and an expanded scope of accountability to address gaps in the current audit system. They also urged the City Audit Bureau to collaborate with experts and offer comprehensive training programs to enhance institutional expertise and competency.
Another key recommendation was the adoption of modern technology to strengthen audit operations. Stakeholders recognized that leveraging advanced digital tools could significantly enhance efficiency and help tackle various challenges in the audit process.
The Addis Ababa City Administration Chief Auditor Amente Mechalu, acknowledged ongoing efforts to ensure the effective utilization of city resources for development. However, he emphasized that actions taken to address audit gaps remain inadequate.
He identified a lack of leadership focus, weak internal controls, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms as major challenges affecting institutional accountability. Amente called for a coordinated and proactive approach to address these weaknesses.
The Auditor General highlighted the critical role of stakeholders in monitoring government resource utilization, emphasizing that transparency is essential to fostering public trust. He also stressed the need to make audit information more accessible to the public as a key step toward enhancing accountability in government operations.
The discussion concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to work collaboratively in strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring the proper use of public resources.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL 2025
